Film productions abroad offer unique creative opportunities: New landscapes, cultural influences and special stories that can only be told on location make filming abroad a special experience.

However, producing abroad not only brings opportunities, but also challenges. Filmmakers and producers planning international projects have to consider a variety of legal, logistical and health aspects in order to work successfully and stress-free.

Here we highlight the most important points that need to be considered when producing a film abroad. From legal requirements such as the A1 certificate and visas to customs and health precautions such as vaccinations and the transport of expensive camera equipment: we give you an overview of the most important topics and offer helpful tips to ensure that your project runs smoothly.

The A1 certificate: Legal protection for the crew

Anyone travelling abroad to work there needs an A1 certificate. This certificate is proof that the film crew remains covered by social security in their home country, even if they are working abroad for a limited period of time. As a rule, the A1 certificate is required for stays in EU countries, Switzerland and the European Economic Area (EEA).

  • Application: The A1 certificate is applied for from the relevant social insurance organisation in the respective home country.
  • Validity: The A1 certificate is valid for the entire stay, but should be applied for in good time as processing can take some time.
  • Controls: In many countries, especially within the EU, checks are possible. Without a valid A1 certificate, there is a risk of heavy fines.

You can find more information about the A1 certificate here.

 

Customs and A.T.A.-Carnet: Bringing technology abroad without any problems

Anyone taking expensive camera equipment, lighting or other technical equipment abroad needs to be aware of the customs regulations. An A.T.A. carnet can be used to save time and money.

The A.T.A. carnet is an internationally recognised customs document that enables the temporary duty-free import and export of professional equipment. It facilitates entry into over 70 countries and prevents customs duties or taxes being levied on the equipment locally.

  • Application: The carnet must be applied for at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce before departure.
  • Validity: A carnet is usually valid for one year and can be used for several entries and exits.
  • Required information: A detailed list of the equipment carried (including serial numbers) is required.

Here you can find all further information about the A.T.A. Carnet.

 

Visa: Apply in good time

In many countries, it is necessary to apply for a special visa for work stays. The requirements vary depending on the country and the duration of the stay. Work visas are often mandatory for film productions.

  • Visa types: Some countries have special categories for film productions, such as media or journalist visas.
  • Processing times: Visa applications can take several weeks. Therefore, please allow sufficient lead time.
  • Consulates and embassies: Enquire at the country's embassy about the exact visa requirements and documents.

You can find more information on the topic here.

 

INF-3 Forms: Work permit and duty-free allowances

The INF-3 form is required for productions abroad if you are importing equipment that has been repaired or modified in a third country. The form is used to avoid customs duties if this work was carried out in a country other than the country of origin.

  • Customs concessions: You can use the INF-3 form to avoid customs duties and taxes when importing repaired or modified equipment.
  • Application: The form must be requested from the customs authorities in good time, as processing can take some time.

Information on the INF-3 forms can be found here.

 

Vaccinations: Health precautions for crew and cast

Depending on the destination, certain vaccinations may be required or recommended. When travelling to tropical or subtropical regions, you should find out about the health regulations to ensure the safety of your crew.

  • Compulsory vaccinations: Vaccinations against yellow fever or polio are mandatory for some countries.
  • Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A and B, rabies and typhoid can be useful for stays in certain regions.
  • Time frame: Plan your vaccinations in good time, as some vaccinations require several weeks' lead time to ensure full protection.

You can find more information and current vaccination recommendations here.

 

Travelling by air with camera equipment: safe transport of expensive equipment

Travelling by air with sensitive camera equipment requires careful planning to avoid damage. As the equipment cannot always be carried in hand luggage, safe transport in checked baggage should be well prepared.

  • Luggage insurance: Take out special insurance for the technical equipment that also covers transport damage.
  • Hand baggage or checked baggage? If possible, particularly expensive and sensitive devices should be transported in hand baggage. For large and bulky items, robust packaging in checked baggage is essential.
  • When travelling by air, the Carrying batteries in your luggage poses a number of risksespecially with lithium-ion batteries. These can overheat during the flight, for example, and cause fires. For this reason, spare batteries, for example, may not be transported in checked baggage, but must be carried in hand baggage. Larger batteries (over 100 watt hours) are subject to additional regulations: batteries up to 160 Wh may only be transported with the authorisation of the airline and the number is limited. Batteries must always be packed in such a way that they cannot cause short circuits, for example by taping the terminals.
  • Customs formalities: Make sure that all customs documents (such as the A.T.A. carnet) are properly completed and ready to hand.

Attention: Special hazardous goods regulations apply to the transport of rechargeable batteries.
Further information about batteries in aircraft can be found here.

 

What else to consider: Further tips for film production abroad

In addition to the main topics mentioned, there are a few other points that are important for successful film production abroad:

  1. Insurances: Check your insurance policies. In addition to equipment insurance, international health insurance and production liability insurance are essential. Statutory accident insurance must also be checked on a case-by-case basis.
  2. Local laws: Familiarise yourself with the local laws and regulations at the filming location, especially with regard to drone use, public filming or dealing with copyrighted content. And: check your driving licence in advance to see if it is valid in the destination country.
  3. Communication: Clarify in advance whether you need interpreters or local fixers to help you with visits to the authorities or local organisation.
  4. Cultural specialities: Find out about the cultural customs in the host country to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts. Respect for the local population and culture is particularly important.
  5. Transport and logistics: The planning of local transport should not be underestimated. In some countries, road conditions or the availability of suitable vehicles can present challenges.

Further important information on this topic is also available from your local film commission or at the German Chamber of Foreign Trade (AHK).